12 February

Blessed José Olallo Valdés

 


Hewas born in Havana (Cuba) on February 12, 1820 and made his ReligiousProfession in the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God at the age of 15.

Heentered the Camagüey community when still young and remained there for morethan 54 years, faithful to his Religious consecration to hospitality despitehuge difficulties. He found the strength to live faithfully, practising charitythrough the contemplation of Christ crucified. His “dearest brothers” were poorhomeless people, slaves and prisoners, abandoned children and the old, thesick, lepers and the dying. During the cholera and smallpox epidemics hedevoted himself in a spirit of abnegation to caring for the victims, withoutever becoming infected himself. He lived a humble life of poverty, but rich in virtueand apostolic witness.

Hereturned to the Father’s house on March 7, 1889 at Camagüey. Pope Benedict XVIproclaimed him Blessed and the beatification ceremony was held on November 29,2008 in Camagüey, Cuba.

Almighty Father, who in the life ofBlessed José OLALLO (Valdés) have given us a wonderful example of your mercyshown towards the sick and needy, grant that through his intercession, inflamedby your love, we can imitate our Lord Jesus, the Good Samaritan, who is God andlives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit , world without end.

Amen. 



 

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